Premier of Nevis and Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Mark Brantley commenced the National Budget Debate on Wednesday Dec. 17^th.

This was held in the National Assembly’s Chambers, in Basseterre. This was also the rebuttal to the Prime Minister’s Budget Address (in his capacity as Minister of Finance). 

Dr. Terrance Drew presented the EC$1.075 billion budget for 2026, which outlined an investment framework aimed at accelerating economic growth.

The Appropriation (2025) Bill, 2024 or the 2025 Budget was to the tune of EC$ 1.1 Billion. The 2026 budget is a reduction of $25 million when compared to 2025.

Mr. Brantley in his rebuttal urged the Government to put in place the Universal health insurance and the Medical Cannabis Industry among other things. The Debate also featured presentations from the Honourables Eric Evelyn, Isalean Phillip, Geoffrey Hanley and Alexis Jeffers.

It will continue on Thursday Dec. 18^th, at 10am.